I took Scout to a different vet yesterday, someone who was highly recommended to me by another Sheltie lover. I was hoping that Dr. Andrews would have experience with treating immune-mediated disorders and be able shed a little more light on Scout's illness.
Unfortunately, he hadn't. IN fact, Dr. Andrews said that in all his years of practice, he'd only seen one other case similar to Scout's. According to him, her condition is kind of rare. After looking over Scout's chart (a small book by now), he did agree with the diagnosis and treatment plan she's on: Polyarthritis and/or immune mediated meningitis, treated by prednisone.
He also said that he'd love to do some research on the illness--talk to specialists in the area--and see what they thought. That made me happy--someone who was interested in finding out more about Scout's conditions and not just content to give her meds and hope for the best.
He called me last night and said the two vets he talked to agreed with the diagnosis and the treatment plan as well, although they suggested we put Scout on Antibiotic therapy for 30 days just in case there is an underlying bacterial infection, like Lyme disease.
It was also nice to be reassured that many of the symptoms Scout is experiencing are just side effects of the prednisone--lethargy, muscle weakness, panting, crabbiness, excessive eating and drinking. And incontinence . . .
Prednisone is nasty stuff! But hopefully Scout will only be on it for another month or so. Dr. Andrews said the specialists told him the main reason for relapse for these conditions is not giving the animals enough prednisone and not giving it long enough . . . so I guess we can put up with a few side effects for now.
So, Scout won't be joining us on the snowshoe, but Dr. Andrews felt faily certain she might be joining us on less strenuous hikes this spring!
Again, thanks for all the prayers! Scout says thanks, too!
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